Thursday, December 31, 2009

1 January 2010ABU DHABI - Al Reef Stables swept the first three places in the opening day of the 240km Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed International Festival Endurance Race at Bu Dheeb Endurance Village here on Thursday.

UAE rider Munzir Ahmed Al Baloushi from Al Reef Stables took the first place honours and behind him came stable-mate Yousuf Al Bloushi as Sultan Ahmed Al Bloushi took the third place honours.

The competition has attracted 103 riders from both sexes lining up for the Dh 1.5m in prizemoney.

The winner covered the 80km first phase of the ride in three hours fifteen minutes and 19 seconds to cross the finish line two seconds ahead of runner up while Sultan was 20 seconds back in third.

The competitions will resume on Friday morning at the same venue with all the riders who completed the race eligible to take part and improve their respective positions.

Meanwhile, more than fifty riders have registered for the 120km Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Endurance Ride for privately owned horses which is set to start under the early rays of the sun at Bu Dheeb.

According to the organisers, the first priority of the organising committee will be the safety of the riders and the welfare of their horses.

The organising committee has also thanked Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his strong support and follow up which has positively reflected on the performance of the riders and the success of the event.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Belgian photographers Caroll Gatelier & Leonard Liesens have compiled some of their best endurance shots of 2009 from France, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Uruguay, Argentina, and Great Britain, in a photographic essay.

(MENAFN - Arab News) Latifa Al-Sheikh of Kingdom Equestrian Team, sponsored by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, won the second place in the Women's Endurance Championship held in Dubai on Friday.

Forty-three women jockeys from the UAE, GCC and Arab world participated in the 90km challenge. Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum awarded the prizes to the top three. Sheikha Asma Al-Gasmi won the event, followed by Latifa and Shamsa Al-Mutawa in that order.

Prince Alwaleed commented: "This victory is another achievement for the Saudi women in sports."

Latifa and her horse Kularu Jubal completed the course in 3:14:22, just four minutes off the winning time of Sheikha Asma.

"This achievement is with God's blessing and Prince Alwaleed's continuous support to the team and its members. I am delighted with this achievement and had traveled from Saudi Arabia confident of winning this race," she said. It was her second race in the UAE. She had also finished second in the previous race in Abu Dhabi that was won by the Spanish world champion rider Mariah Mercedes.

Latifa also thanked Sheikh Hamdan, deputy ruler of Dubai and the minister of finance and industry of the UAE, for his support for the special race for women jockeys.

She also thanked Najeeb Al-Barjes, Kingdom team manager and trainer, and other trainers, Matar and Abullah Khamees.

Latifa, who began riding at a very young age and participated in various other championships - including three in Bahrain and Qatar, said excellent weather conditions and the relatively small number of participants helped achieve high speeds in the race.

Kingdom team's series of achievements include Abdulrahman Al-Hawas winning the Al-Khalediah Prince Khaled's Cup Endurance Challenge 2009. In 2008, the team won the Alwafa International Championship Cup held in Damascus, Syria, and Saudi show jumper Khaled Al-Eid earned the highest points in the final Arab League qualifying for the World Cup Championship.

It is with great sadness and not a little shock that we learn today of the untimely death of Helen Bain. Helen drowned on December 29 while crossing the Ruamahanga River on horseback near Masterton. Despite the heroic efforts of companions to rescue her from the river, Helen could not be revived.

Tributes to her work as a journalist have been published online in Stuff, and for her role as Communications Manager for Forest and Bird.

In the worlds of CTR and Endurance, Helen was an active member of the Wairarapa Endurance and CTR Club, a past member of WATRC, and a stalwart in the organisation of Island and National Championships events. She has done much to promote both sports by contributing pieces to various horsey magazines, and was an active and respected participant in HorseTalk forums.

Our heartfelt sympathies go to her partner, Mark, her family and friends, work colleagues, and fellow club members and competitors. We all feel her loss dearly.

The national ride, the first this season for ladies, was held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who attended yesterday's event.

Shaikh Asma completed the 90km distance in a timing of 3 hours, 8 minutes and 21 seconds at an average speed of 28.67km/h to win from 42 other lady riders who started the ride.

Four stages

Saudi Arabia's Latifa Ahmad Al Shaikh and Shamma Al Mutawa from the UAE took the second and third places respectively. Latifa completed the ride in 3:14:22 while Shamma was timed at 3:21:06 for the race run in four stages of 31km, 29km, 18km and 12 km.

Yesterday's Ladies Ride was open to riders from the UAE, GCC nations and Arab residents in the UAE.

The 100km Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1, a national ride, will be held today at the same venue, also under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan.

The ride gets off to a mass start at 6am and will be run over four loops of 32km, 29km, 27km and 12km.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

December 17, 2009 — Equine Canada strongly endorsed the Clean Sport Commission Report, presented at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) General Assembly, held in Copenhagen at the end of November. We are pleased that the overwhelming majority of other national equestrian federations (NFs) also supported the report.

The General Assembly was similarly presented with a proposal to permit the use of strictly limited levels of a small number of specified non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to horses in competition. Equine Canada expressed serious concerns that the proposal had been circulated to the national federations (NFs) shortly before the General Assembly, allowing no time for consultations with our veterinary advisors, equine welfare committee or disciplines. Equine Canada and a narrow majority of NFs voted in favour of the new NSAID policy, on the grounds that the underlying principles were consistent with those of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) position on the palliative use of non-performance enhancing NSAID treatments for human athletes.

The NSAID policy has been the subject of heated debate around the world since the General Assembly. Many NFs have expressed concerns that they had been given insufficient background information and inadequate time for consultations. The FEI President has therefore asked for the consent of the NFs to postpone the introduction of the NSAID policy until it can be discussed again at the 2010 General Assembly in Taipei, with the benefit of additional scientific analysis and time for national deliberations.

Equine Canada agrees that implementation of an FEI NSAID policy would benefit from additional research, education, and consultation. Whatever knowledge is available about the effects of implementing an NSAID policy should be documented and presented to all NFs, so that the best possible program can be structured to protect the health and welfare of our equine athletes.

As a result, Equine Canada supports the FEI President’s request to delay the adoption of the NSAID policy until it can be discussed at the 2010 General Assembly, with all of the relevant facts and research presented to the NFs for their review well before the meeting.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is Canada’s national governing body for equestrianism. A member-driven, charitable institution, it is the executive branch of the Canadian Equestrian Team, and the national authority for equestrian competition; the national voice for recreational riders; and the national association for equine welfare, breeding, and industry. Equine Canada is recognized by the Government of Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

He was the only Mongolian rider in the Mongol Derby and, according to the original press reports, he won. Yet in an exclusive interview with the Long Riders' Guild, the winner revealed that, unlike the other contestants, he had not been asked to pay a large fee to ride. In fact, the organizers of the race had secretly hired him to participate, so as to offset claims that the Mongol Derby was an act of equestrian colonialism.

It was supposed to be a get-rich-quick pony picnic, one which saw affluent foreigners paying to risk their lives in Mongolia in an equestrian endurance race allegedly based upon the mounted accomplishments of Genghis Khan’s relay riders.Instead the Mongol Derby became a battleground over equestrian ethics, with an unprecedented international protest being raised about the welfare of the horses, the last minute financial involvement of a discredited foreign ruler and now the revelation that the race organizers secretly paid the only Mongolian rider to participate and - according to him - then robbed him of his victory.The company behind the event, the Adventurists, recently circulated a press release wherein they posed the question, "I hope this email finds you revving up for a weekend of adventuring anarchy, drunken debauchery and general misdemeanours." While the party may still be raging, what the company directors weren't talking about was Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh, the Mongolian they had paid to ride in the debatable Derby.

Previous to the Race

The lead-up to the dubious event was cloaked in controversy. In November, 2008 the Long Riders' Guild received an unsolicited email from the spokeswoman of the Bristol based tourism company. The Adventurists were seeking input from the LRG regarding a 1,000 kilometer endurance race. Because the company had no previous equestrian experience, and bragged about putting their clients' lives at risk, Long Riders with extensive Mongolian travel experience urged the company to proceed cautiously.As more facts were revealed about the race’s poor planning, more than 3,000 people from 30 countries signed an on-line protest which asked the president of Mongolia to investigate the race. International endurance riders launched a "Stop the Mongol Derby" Facebook page and several contestants carried orange ribbons in solidarity with the Mongolians at the famous Tevis Cup endurance race. Meanwhile, questions from a coalition of equestrian and exploration editors, as well as reporters and bloggers, prompted the spokeswoman for the Adventurists to urge the foreign contestants to avoid discussing the race prior to its onset.Equestrians had cause to be worried, as the Mongol Derby website had originally bragged about the life and death situations the riders would be exposed to. Wolves were jokingly mentioned. A lack of water for horse and rider was revealed. One contestant reported, "There is no marked course, no roads or tracks, we must find our own water and depend on the hospitality of the nomadic people we encounter along the way for food and shelter in their gers (Mongolian tents)."As the debate continued and the outrage grew, the tone of the race organizers became more muted. They instituted a weight limit on the foreign riders and according to their website revised the route so as to “increase the number of water sources.” Yet the primary concern remained how the 800 horses would be cared for?Initially the Adventurists, and their charity allies at the Mercy Corps, told the press that all equine medical needs were being met by "a British vet with 32 years experience." Additionally, the company claimed they had secured the services of Vet Net. Yet a spokesman for the American based NGO decried the claim, saying that organization was not involved because of "ethical, moral and humanitarian concerns."With the question of equine welfare still unresolved, the tour company found an unlikely last minute ally.

FEI to the RescueDespite the growing scandal, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) maintained a stony silence regarding the ethical questions associated with the event. After the FEI repeatedly refused calls from reporters, Geoff Young, the publisher of Horse Connection magazine, issued an editorial entitled "The Emperor Has No Riding Breeches," in which he called for the Geneva based organization to be disbanded.Shortly afterwards the Long Riders' Guild received an unsolicited phone call from FEI Endurance Director Ian Williams. He rang to say he was flying to England to meet with the Adventurists.According to Williams, he and "the president," had been working behind the scenes, wherein they had carried out secret talks with officials of the Mongolian government and FEI officials from Section 8, which oversees Mongolia.Williams' statement overlooked the fact that on five separate occasions FEI officials announced to the Guild and the press that the organization could not oversee the race, nor even issue a statement expressing concern over the welfare of the 800 horses, because a) Mongolia had been suspended for not paying its FEI dues and b) the 1,000 kilometre race violated the 160 kilometre FEI limit.When asked to clarify his employer's change of views, Williams responded a few days later by saying he was going to England so as to deliver an offer, not from the FEI, but from the government of the UAE. This is the country ruled by Sheik Mohammad Maktoum, a devoted endurance racer and husband to FEI President, HRH Princess Haya.When hearing of this decision, an international endurance racer said, "In this case the FEI has proved that they'll pay you to violate their own rules."

Dubious AlliesMany of the aspects related to the Mongol Derby remain shrouded in secrecy. The route, for example, was not revealed except to the contestants, so as to prohibit outside observers from monitoring the health of the horses. Likewise the financial roots of the event remain a mystery. It has never been revealed how much money the UAE government provided to the Adventurists, nor what the terms of the clandestine deal were. The only thing publicly discussed was that four foreign vets would be provided, at UAE expense, so as to take care of the horses. Only one of those vets has ever been named or come forward.Questions about the Mongol Derby, and its links to the UAE government, were heightened by a string of endurance racing events involving Sheik Maktoum.The UAE government was revealed to be the financial benefactor on Thursday, 21st July. On Friday 22nd July, the British press reported that a 120km "private" endurance ride with an unprecedented prize-pot of Pounds 175,000 was causing consternation among UK riders. According to unconfirmed reports, the ride had been arranged so as to allow Sheikh Maktoum to continue to compete, despite the fact that he had been suspended from competition by the FEI while a doping enquiry was investigated.The following weekend, Saturday, August 2nd, Sheik Maktoum won the English race. His son, the crown prince, came in second. On Monday, August 4th, after finding him guilty of doping his horse, the FEI banned the sheik from endurance racing for six months. Ten days later, the crown prince was also struck off the endurance racing roles for six months, after he too was convicted of cheating and doping his horse.

The RaceDuring the lead up to the race, there had been questions raised about how Mongolia was being used to foster a new type of equestrian colonialism.One critic of Mercy Corps, the charity which accepted money from the contestants, raised this point. "I'm so fed up with the notion that bad behavior in foreign countries is made acceptable because you donate money to a charity. Isn't it rather like buying an indulgence?"As if to off-set this specific criticism, three days before the race was due to begin the name of a Mongolian was suddenly listed as being a contestant. Unlike the twenty-five foreign riders, no hint was offered as to who this person was, what his equestrian experience consisted of, nor how he had managed to raise the large sum of money required of the other contestants.Only the name of the final contestant was presented to the public.Why?Only the Adventurists knew.Thus, in the midst of this final obscurity, the Mongol Derby started on August 22.Almost immediately two riders suffered serious falls and had to withdraw because of concussion and back injuries. By the second day Charles Van Wyk from South Africa and the mysterious Mongolian were said to be “streaking ahead” of the other competitors. As the race progressed the Mongolian was reported to be in the lead.On August 29th the Adventurists website reported, "First across the line was the Mongolian Rider, followed only one minute later by the South African, Charles Van Wyk." The international press followed suit, naming the Mongolian rider as the winner. Yet six days later the Adventurists retracted that statement, stating that "joint first was awarded to Charles van Wyk of South Africa and Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh of Mongolia."Though the entire equestrian world, both supporters and detractors, had been watching events from afar, no photos have ever been made available showing which rider was actually first across the finish line. Instead the Mongolian was brushed back off the stage, while the professional endurance rider from South Africa basked in glory.Yet who was this unknown, untraceable Mongolian who took the lead, won the race, and was just as quickly forgotten?It took Mongolia’s first Long Rider to find the answers.

In the Name of Genghis KhanAccording to the only named veterinarian, the world's primary concern about the safety of the nearly one thousand horses seemed to have been alleviated, as no major equine injuries were reported. No outside neutral observer can confirm how the horses were treated or ridden, nor if any of them were hurt during the race.However, what is known is that while the international debate about the Mongol Derby was still raging, a home-grown dispute was also underway. It was being led by a Mongolian horseman named Temuujin Zemuun.Because Temuujin carries the original birth name of Mongolia's most famous son, later known as Genghis Khan, he believed his country's equestrian heritage had been corrupted by foreign influences. While plans proceeded for Temuujin and two others to qualify to become Long Riders by making an extended equestrian journey across the nation, the talented horseman was also busy trying to have the Mongol Derby stopped.Prior to his departure on his own journey, Temuujin called a press conference in the nation's capital, Ulaanbaator. This allowed international criticism against the race to be voiced for the first time to the Mongolian people via local television and newspapers in the native language. Then, accompanied by Buddhist monks and his fellow Long Riders, Temuujin delivered the international petition to the Mongolian president. Yet, with his own ride pressing, and the Mongol Derby still scheduled to begin, Temuujin set off to ride across Mongolia as planned.It was upon his return that Mongolia's first Long Rider determined to find the Mongolian winner of the infamous race.

The Winner SpeaksMongolia is the size of Texas, so finding one nomadic herder wasn't going to be easy. Yet modern technology has made remarkable inroads. After repeated attempts, Temuujin managed to obtain the location of the camp of Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh. His first attempt to find the winner failed, as it transpired the man who had won Mongolia's longest horse race was a simple herder who was now tending his animals out on the trackless steppes. Refusing to give up, Temuujin made a second journey, this time through a snow storm.At a ger/yurt deep in the countryside, with winter pressing in, Temuujin the Long Rider met Shiravsamboo the Mongol Derby winner. In an on-the-record, filmed interview, Temuujin asked his fellow Mongolian equestrian to explain to the world his background, as well as his sudden appearance in the horse.In response to questions Shiravsamboo revealed these facts.Shiravsamboo Gulbadrakh is twenty-six years old.He is unmarried and has no children.He is a poor, illiterate Mongolian shepherd who does not speak English or any other foreign language. Because of this none of the foreign contestants could speak to him or learn the nature of his involvement in the Mongol Derby.He was informed of the race three days prior to its start.He was deliberately recruited by agents of the Adventurists to ride in the race, who said that it was important to the company that a Mongolian should participate.He was not told that the foreigner contestants had paid large sums of money to participate.He did not pay these required funds to ride in the race.Nor did he raise the funds demanded by the charity, Mercy Corps.He was paid 300,000 tugrugs, about $250, the same amount paid to the herder families who provided the horses, so as to ensure his participation.Even though Temuujin had uncovered the truth, he was unable to share the news with the rest of the world immediately. He had difficulty travelling back across the snow-covered country. Once he reached the capital, he discovered that a 'flu epidemic had effectively shut down the city, making it impossible for him to find a translator straight away. It was only after overcoming all of these difficulties that the Mongolian Long Rider was able to transmit the news back to Guild HQ.

Who Won the Mongol Derby?You would have thought that the climax to such a hotly contested race would have generated a photographic orgy. Yet the Adventurists company has never published a single photo showing the finish of the race. Instead they chose to release scenes of foreigners riding through a bucolic Mongolian landscape, as well as images depicting intent looking foreigners, who may be veterinarians, inspecting local horses.Regardless of how much money he didn’t pay to ride, Shiravsamboo expressed his anger to Temuujin when he learned to his dismay that the organizers of the event were broadcasting the news that he had “shared” the victory with one of the foreign riders.According to Shiravsamboo, he did not tie with Charles van Wyk. He believes 100% that he won the race without any assistance. He did not know that the Adventurists now claim that the foreign contestant tied with him. Shiravsamboo insists that he won all by himself and is adamant that he is the sole winner.Regardless of what he believes, the Mongolian winner of the first Mongolian Derby has been quietly air-brushed aside, as the company now gives preference to the foreign contestant who took second place, and has strong commercial ties to the Barefoot Saddle company which provided free saddles to the contestants."South African architect Charles van Wyk, 28, was joint winner along with Mongolian rider Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh," states their website.Did the foreign contestants know that Galbadrakh had been paid to ride alongside them? Apparently not, as one contestant noted the Mongol’s hard riding ability but remarked upon the general inability of the linguistically challenged foreigners to converse with the only Mongolian contestant.

Racing against the RulesWhen contacted by the Long Riders’ Guild, company owner, Tom Morgan, and representatives of the Adventurists declined to comment on Shiravsamboo Gulbadrakh’s accusations. Yet representatives of the official British horse world had a few words to say about the unprecedented situation.The official Mongol Derby website states."Forget The Epsom Derby, The Melbourne Cup, The Grand National or the St. Leger; this is the biggest, toughest and longest horse race in the world!"The Adventurists having compared the endurance race to Great Britain’s most prestigious equestrian racing events, The Guild sought the input of the British Horse Racing Authority.When informed of the phony jockey, the British Horse Racing Authority explained that thoroughbred races in Great Britain are strictly regulated so as to prohibit these types of actions from occurring. Thanks to the stringent rules imposed by these authorities, "there would be no way that an intermediary could supplement an entry outside the race conditions of entry."So as to prevent deception, the BHRA explained, jockeys must be registered with Weatherbys, the administrative arm of the BHA, prior to being allowed to run in a race in England. The notion of placing a secret jockey in a race was so unheard of that the BHRA responded, "it would be impossible for us to consider the notion of a failure to disclose an entry to the public or remaining competitors."Racecourse stewards, they said, monitor races for malpractice.Sadly, there were no stewards in Mongolia, only a climate of corruption.

Minting Money in MongoliaMongolia is facing a wide variety of internal problems, all of which have endangered the last horse-based nomadic culture in the world.Two devastating winters wiped out a third of Mongolia's livestock, forcing thousands of former nomads to scour sites which had been abandoned by large foreign mining companies, in a desperate search for crumbs of gold. Further bad weather has caused nomads to move their animals 30 times a year, instead of the average three. Meanwhile foreign companies have begun ruthlessly exploiting the country's mineral wealth, all the while the local political scene is awash with Mongolian fat-cats.Because of these various reasons Transparency International recently gave Mongolia one of the world's worst corruption ratings. On a scale of one to ten, with one being the worst, Mongolia rates as a two.When asked to comment on the practice of secretly paying Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh to ride in the race, and then denying his victory, the Mongolian spokeswoman for Transparency International stated, "If officials are not held accountable, why would others bother to refrain from temptation?"The average yearly income in Mongolia is $2,100, which helps explains why a simple herder, like Shiravsamboo, would welcome a payment of $250 from the Adventurists.Adding to Mongolia's problems is a report published 22/12/09 in London’s Independent newspaper, "2010 is set to be the year of "chav adventures" - where unruly tourists combine adventure breaks with charity raising - according to an annual travel trends report today."Leading the rise in rowdyism will be the Adventurists, who are now set to launch an even larger Mongol Derby by placing their monetary handwriting on the Mongolian wall.The first "Rickshaw Run" race organized by the Adventurists in 2007 charged competitors £97 to compete. The entry fee for the Rickshaw Run is now £895. The 2009 Mongol Derby was scheduled to raise $113,000 from the twenty-five foreign contestants, each of whom was required to pay $4550 in fees. Race organizers are now attempting to enlist 35 contestants for the 2010 Mongol Derby. With an estimated $332,500 in contestant fees alone, and with an estimated fee of only $1750 being paid to the Mongolian herders who will supply the horses, it looks to be another profitable venture for the Adventurists.But not to worry.The official Mongol Derby website states."To get a place on the world's toughest horse race it will set you back $9500 (about £6000). But remember if you put some hard graft into sponsorship you could well find the Mongol Derby doesn't need to cost you anything."

The Mongol Derby represents a callous calculated disregard for the accepted rules of endurance riding which has undermined the strength of the sport and endangered nearly 1,000 horses so as to glorify the ego of man. The LRG became involved in the Mongol Derby because The Guild was initially contacted by the Adventurists. Having made every attempt to defend the horses, and thanks to Mongolian Long Rider Temuujin's efforts to reveal the truth, The Guild now considers the matter closed. The LRG would also like to thank Long Riders Tim Cope, Bonnie Folkins, Batmonkh Muntuush, Ian Robinson and Catherine Waridel.

After spending two days in Jaipur we moved to Dundlod. Dundlod is a small town in Jhunjhnu district about 170 km from Jaipur. Road is good not unlike other states where after 5 hours of road journey tourists look for the bed and painkiller tablet. We stayed in Dundlod Fort as a guest of Kr Raghuvendra singh ji who runs horse safaris at Dundlod. He is a pioneer in adding this adventure in tourism itinerary successfully. Today it has became one of the major tourism adventure sport in Rajasthan. I am not sure whether this is recognised as an adventure sport or not!

We were there on invitation to photograph the International Invitational 81 Km Endurance organised by Indigenous Horse Society of India with collaboration of Rajasthan Equestrian Association. This was the first Equestrian Federation of India's qualifying race at Dundlod. Two Endurance were organised one 40 Km and second 81 Km Endurance in which major International teams participated.

Beginning in May 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park (in Lexington, Kentucky) will feature a major Arabian horse art exhibition, with sponsorship by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation.

The 9,000-square-foot exhibition, titled "A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse," will include more than 300 artifacts and artworks representing collections from the Near East, Europe and America. Among these items will be the Standard of Ur (a 4,000-year-old equestrian driving artifact) and the Kikkuli Tablet (an ancient Hittite horse care manual).

A Gift from the Desert will focus on the important impact of equines on Near Eastern civilization, looking at development of the Arabian horse in particular.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

The final 2009 endurance ride of Endurance Ecuestre was held on December 19 2009 in Santo Domingo, Chile.

Alicia Gonzalez, riding Pinta, won the 160 km ride in the time of 11:36.27; Hans Buckel riding Satanas won the 120 km in the time of 8:30.57; and Lucas Buckel riding Turbante won the Junior 120 km in the time of 8:00.18.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Rider Arosha Jayasundara completed the 81km with her horse, cantering across the finish line at the end of a 9 hour ride in good condition as dawn and dust met in the cold Rajastani desert of India at the second consecutive International Invitational 81km Endurance National Indigenous Horse Show Championship organised by the Marwari Indigenous Horse Society of India, on December 12.

Prameesha led the team at the beginning with the condition of her horse Suki till the 60 km Vet Gate where she did not qualify to continue.

Suranjith on his horse Anjalie completed the first leg of the race at 20.25km before being withdrawn due to missing the time restriction at Vet Gate.

The culminating race of this 6-day event, the International invitational drew representatives from India, Sri Lanka, America, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Russia to line up at the start line in a test of endurance and skill at this One Star FEI (Federation International Equestre) event.

The 81 km was split into 4 parts with the horses being checked by veterinarians every 20.25km.

The horse’s condition, stamina and heart rate are examined before being allowed to continue with the race placing a great importance on the care and condition of the horse during the event.

The Sri Lanka Equestrian Association proudly to acknowledge the efforts of the riders and thanked the organisers and sponsors at this event for helping these riders take Sri Lanka to the international equestrian stage.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

ROYAL Endurance Team rider Jaffar Mirza won the 120-kilometre National Day Endurance Ride Championship yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Riding Mexico, Mirza outlasted the 46 other participants who competed in the gruelling five-stage seniors race. Mirza clocked a winning time of five hours 38 minutes 27 seconds.

The event was organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) in celebration of the kingdom's National Day and the 10th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad's accession to the throne.

Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa also took part in the ride, but both Royal Endurance Team stars were forced to pull out after the fourth stage due to injuries to their respective horses. Shaikh Nasser was riding The Destroyer while Shaikh Khalid was astride LM Bikosam.

The championship was also attended by National Guard chief Major General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.

The seniors race saw strong competition as the riders not only had to fight against fatigue but also to tackle the difficult terrain which had been hugely affected by heavy rainfall in Bahrain in the past week.

After the race was flagged off at 6am, Mirza set the early pace and was among the leading bunch at the end of the first 30km stage which he completed in 1:19:11.

He continued his steady stride through the 30km second stage, the 25km third and the 20km penultimate leg, at the end of which he fell to third place behind new leader and fellow-Bahraini Durg Singh Bhanwar and Indian Sang Singh Bhati.

Determined

But a determined showing in the final 15km stage helped him finish strong and steal victory. He completed the last leg in 42 minutes 30 seconds - nearly 10 minutes faster than anyone else.

Bhanwar was left to settle for the runner-up spot as he finished the race with a total time of 5:45:00, which was close to eight minutes behind Mirza. Bhati was not far behind in third in 5:45:30.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Lausanne (SUI), 18 December 2009 – The policy choice of whether the restricted use of a small number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be permitted in competition will be put to the vote at the 2010 FEI General Assembly, following a resolution passed by the Bureau today.

In line with the Bureau’s earlier decision, the present Equine Prohibited List and its accompanying Rules and Veterinary Regulations will remain in effect until 4 April 2010. As of 5 April 2010, the FEI will implement the 20 October Prohibited Substances List, a more detailed version of the present Equine Prohibited List which received no specific objections during the four-week pre-General Assembly consultation period. The new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) and revised Veterinary Regulations, which both received strong support at the General Assembly, will also be implemented on 5 April 2010.

Friday, December 18, 2009

A grey winter gloom descended over Copenhagen as delegates from member nations of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) began arriving in November for its annual General Assembly.

The outlook was rather sunnier in the world of equestrian sport. The international governing body must have been upbeat as delegates from more than 100 nations prepared to meet at the Marriott Hotel, a large red-brick high-rise that stands beside one of the Danish capital's canals.

And why shouldn't the Lausanne-based organisation have been upbeat? Equestrian sport was poised to put the doping embarrassment of the 2008 Beijing Olympics behind it. It rightly anticipated strong support for its ground-breaking Clean Sport initiative, the result of two commissions of inquiry and an investment of some 1.8 million Euros.

Delegates were also to vote on a new streamlined structure to replace the large and, some would say, unwieldy 22-strong governing FEI Bureau, substituting it with a much leaner skills-based seven-strong team.

It had all the hallmarks of a new beginning and it seemed little would stand in its way.

The world’s longest, toughest horse race, The Mongol Derby, returns for a second year

After the triumphant inaugural edition of the 2009 Mongol Derby, the epic 1000km multi-horse race across Mongolia returns for a second time in August 2010. With 35 places available and a more gruelling course being planned, this second Derby is set to be even tougher than last year.

The 2010 Derby will start on August 7 and officially end on August 18, giving riders 12 days to complete the 1000km course. Last year’s winners, Charles van Wyck (South Africa) and Shiravsamboo Galbadrakh (Mongolia) completed the course in eight days.

The 1000 km race is based on the postal system of Chinggis Khan, which could relay messages thousands of miles in a matter of days. Like the ancient postal system the Mongol Derby relies on a network of horse stations. These are being built at 40km or under intervals stretching along the course. With the rider’s changing steed at each horse station, the Derby is not a test of the horses’ speed, but of the rider’s skill and endurance.

The Mongol Derby is one of the most ambitious equestrian events on the planet with over 1000 Mongolian horses selected and trained for the event. Animal welfare is once again the top priority of the organisers. All the horses will be subject to a series of rigorous veterinary checks before, during and after the race. In 2009 less than 2% of the horses required any first aid and they were all minor.

The 35 selected riders will attend a three day pre-race training session in the Mongolian steppe before taking on the 1000km course. The session will be taken by Maggie Pattinson, Chef d'Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team since 2007 and endurance expert extraordinnaire. The session will also include medical training from Prometheus Medical.

As with all The Adventurists’ events, the Mongol Derby is not only about having an amazing adventure, it's also about raising lots of cash for charity. Each rider will raise a minimum of £1000 so the second Derby is set to raise at least £35,000 for the official charity. The 2009 Mongol Derby raised a fantastic £71,000; £41,000 of this for Mercy Corps and a further £30,000 for the riders’ chosen charities.

For more information on the Derby and how to apply for one of the coveted 35 places please visit http://www.mongolderby.com. Applications will be open until January 22 2010.

- Ends –

For more information, hi-res photos, or to arrange interviews with the founder of the Mongol Derby and The Adventurists Tom Morgan, please contact:

Official website of the Adventurists Mongol Derby:http://www.mongolderby.com

Notes to Editors:

About The Mongol DerbyHosted in a country where the horse is part of the fabric of the nation, the inaugural Derby will take endurance horse racing to a new level. The innovative model of staging posts to ensure the horses only travel distances of 40km each will allow riders to race across a course with a gargantuan scale that hasn’t been seen for decades.

The welfare of the horses will be paramount to the race organisers and riders. Semi-wild and smaller than the racing horses the public are used to on television; they will be looked after every step of the way, from months before the race begins, until long after the riders’ buttocks have recovered. In total over 1000 horses will be used to stage this audacious race.

The cost will be $9,500 per rider and all the details and further general information can be found on the official website:

http://www.mongolderby.com

About The AdventuristsThe Adventurists is run by the League of Adventurists International Ltd, an award winning company based in the UK with gangly tentacles that stretch around the world. They organise unusual and difficult adventures that raise money for charity. To date participants on their adventures have raised well over 1 million pounds for great causes around the world.

http://www.theadventurists.com

About Tengri Group, MongoliaTengri Group are one of the biggest companies in Mongolia, with interests in tourism and hospitality, agriculture, property management, IT and energy. For more see http://www.tengrigroup.com

About Maggie PattinsonMaggie Pattinson is Chef d'Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team and endurance expert extraordinnaire. Maggie has more feathers in her endurance bow than you could shake a stick at. She has trained, ridden and crewed at International Level and as well as her esteemed position as Chef d'Equipe she runs her own endurance training company On the Hoof and trains a number of high profile individuals. One of her protégé, Chris Baker, became the highest placed British rider ever in the 2009 Tevis Cup. With On the Hoof Maggie trains all levels of riders in every aspect of the sport from pacing to fitness and map reading.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The 2010 Portuguese Championship - CEI*** 160 km Open - Team Trophywill be held 15-18 April, 2010 at Monte da Ravasquiera estate, in the municipality of Arraiolos, Portugal.

In addition a CEI** 120 km and a CEI * 80 km will be held the same weekend.

The Monte da Ravasquiera has been linked to the family Jose De Mellofor several generations, and produces some of the best wine that theAlentejo has to offer. The estate has organized and hosted the 1996First International Friendship Driving Contest, and the 2006 IberianDriving Cup.

The rain gave no truce since the end of the afternoon and all night the day before the race. The day awoke to rain and the track was highly slippery, but competitors have shown guts and determination. After all, at stake was the title of champion of the Brazilian evidence CEI *** 160 km and CEI ** 120 km (Adult and Young Rider).

Marcio Honorius in his first race of 160 km with Pantheon HTL dominated until the fifth stage, when it was eliminated by lameness. Before him, the knights who made up the first wave (Eduardo Xavier Barreto Jr Elanna with HEC, Mariana Damazio Rajão with Mustaz SC, Higor de Marchi and Van Herte Sweet and Renata Farinelli with Gran Farhuk) were coming off stage by stage, paving the way for Andre Nuit Vidiz and Endurance.

So was titled one of endurance events in 2010 that promises to mark history in the sport. A Cup of Nations - Troia Portugal Open 2010 will take place under the command of the prestigious Lagos Sports, bringing the enduro in Portugal at the highest level of riding, maybe never seen before in the country.

As authoritative on the site of the FEI - Federation Equestre Internationale, the Nations Cup will be hosted on a peninsula of Troy, twenty minutes from Lisbon, in a place where sea, river, field, all in one place.

Monday, December 14, 2009

BAHRAIN'S riders drew a blank yesterday in the first round of the Giants Endurance Horse Ride Challenge at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

During the first of the three rounds, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other members of the Bahrain team were unable to complete the five-stage event after their horses failed to pass veterinary examinations at the end of the third stage.

UAE's Vice-President, Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his son Shaikh Majed also bowed out of the competition in similar circumstances. The ride was divided into different stages, starting with a 32-km first stage. The second covered 28 kms, the third 24 kms, the fourth 20 kms and the fifth was over 16 kms.

The overall winner was Majed Al Jahouri of the UAE in four hours, 59 minutes and seven seconds for an average speed of 27.07-km per hour.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Abu Dhabi : The Al Beloushi brothers from the Al Reef Stables and the Al Jahouri brothers from Al Wathba Stables dominated yesterday's two prestigious rides at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi on Elphyn Silvermoon and Munthar Ahmad on Carallio completed a brilliant 1-2 finish for Al Reef Stables in the Bonyan International Investment Group's 120-km National Day Cup Ride.

Earlier, in a similar 120-km ride, also supported by Bonyan International Investment Group, Majid Khalfan Al Jahouri, on Bouman Nasrof, won the first round of the three-round Giants Endurance Challenge while his brother Ali Khalfan finished fifth in the National Day Cup ride.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also took part in the Giants Endurance event before retiring his horse in the fourth stage of the five-stage 120km event.

Meanwhile, in the National Day Cup ride, Al Reef Stables once again dominated and notched up their fourth win in the fledgling UAE season of 2009-10.

The 24-year-old Sultan and his 22-year-old brother Munthar were riding horses trained by their eldest brother Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi who has so far trained all four winners for the Al Ain base of Al Reef Stables.

Sultan completed the 120-km ride on Elphyn Silvermoon in 4 hours 36 minutes and 28 seconds, the Australian horse scoring a win in only its second run here in the Emirates.

Munthar's Carallio was winning for the second time this season and finished about three minutes behind the winner.

"Both Elphyn Silvermoon and Carallio did not have much problem as the rain and the cool weather made perfect riding conditions," said winning trainer Yousef, who also took part in the ride but had to make an exit in the third stage.

A total of 89 riders were in the fray with Sultan winning the keys to a brand new car for his effort while the remaining top finishers shared the Dh300,000 on offer.

In the Giants Endurance Challenge, the second and third rounds of which will be held in Bahrain and Dubai respectively, Majid Khalfan Al Jahouri on Bouman Nasrof finished over four minutes ahead of Uruguayan rider Federico Zubiaurre on San Filipo.

LEXINGTON, KY - Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will kick off with hundreds of horses and athletes, marching bands, orchestras, world-renowned singers and a Kentucky "Call to the Post."

The Games are the world’s most prestigious equestrian event, featuring world championships in eight equestrian sports. The 2010 Games, September 25-October 10, will be the first ever held in America. Organizers say the Opening Ceremonies will pay tribute to America, Kentucky, and the equine world.

"We are inviting some of the greatest performers from around the globe, including equine entertainers and international performing artists" said Dr. Everett McCorvey, whose company, Global Creative Connections, will produce the Games' Opening and Closing Ceremonies. "We will highlight both the best of Kentucky and the best of America, and begin these Games with incredible celebration and fanfare."

As many as 600 performers and 200 horses could be involved in the production, including a 100-piece orchestra, 300-person choir and hundreds of adults and children. Marching bands, performing ensembles from America's armed forces, and local and international celebrities and dignitaries are likely to be involved. The production will include a tribute to American music, including Broadway and Bluegrass, the official Parade of Athletes and, in tribute to the first American host, a singing of My Old Kentucky Home.

Tickets for the Games' Opening and Closing Ceremonies range from $120 to $150 and can be purchased now at www.ticketmaster.com, through www.alltechfeigames.com, or via the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000.

Opening Ceremonies will be held September 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Outdoor Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, the venue for the Games. Closing Ceremonies will be celebrated in the same location, on October 10 at 4:00 p.m.

"Our Opening Ceremonies will set the tone for 16 days of world-class competition," said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. "These Games will be the largest sporting event in America in 2010, and we hope to stage an Opening Ceremonies that reflects the magnitude of this event on Kentucky, America, and the equestrian world."

Victor Rios, new president of the Equestrian Endurance Chilean Association, ACHE

"In Chile we can make the best Pan ever made in South America"

The truth is that it takes only five days over the presidency of AChE and already has many challenges ahead. Most important: do the first time in Chile, a Pan American Endurance. Although his optimism does not hide it, is happy to be part of this historic event in the equestrian sport.

By: Mitzy Galvez, ACHE

A lawyer by profession and a lover of horses. So Victor Rios, the flamboyant new president of the Chilean Association of Endurance Riding.

It is recognized again on the theme of endurance, but past experience leading a major law firm, Origin and Foundation Director of the Foundation being Huidobro today have been spearheading the guidelines of AChE, more so when international commitments are banging on the door of our country. A few days after taking his office, talked to him about your expectations and what comes in the way of endurance riding.

FOUR of Bahrain's top riders are set to compete in the first round of the 120-kilometre Giants Endurance Horse Ride Challenge today at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

The event is scheduled to get underway at 6am, Bahrain time.

Led by Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the team will be among many high-profile riders from the UAE, other GCC countries, and overseas.

The ride will be divided into five stages, starting with 32km first stage. The second will cover 28km, the third 24km, the fourth 20km and the fifth will be over 16km.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser and the remaining members of the team took their horses yesterday for the mandatory veterinary examinations which took place at the event's venue.

The first round will be followed by two rounds in Bahrain and Dubai, respectively. Today's event is part of an equestrian festival in Abu Dhabi being held as part of the UAE's National Day celebrations.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Equestrians nations, vets and welfare organisations from around the world have welcomed "time out" on the bute row — and plans to put off the re-introduction of painkillers in horse sport for at least a year.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) last week bowed to increasing pressure from vets and national federations (NFs) as the row over the issue of allowing non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) in competition threatened to split the federation.

FEI president Princess Haya has now asked NFs to support a 12-month delay that could result in a complete U-turn.

"At last some common sense prevails," said endurance vet Fred Barrelet, who wrote a damning letter to Princess Haya after Copenhagen. "This was pushed through far too hastily, so now people can sit back and discuss this properly.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) conducted the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Ride Championships - the third of the season - for local stables.

Cash prizes coupled with an even bigger incentive of a Toyota Land Cruiser to the event's overall champion, saw 75 riders in the fray at 5.30am on Saturday.

It was Bahrain's Isa Bu Hazza riding CR Prince Charming, which won the event, and could drive himself home in his shining new motor.

So WHAT is Endurance? For those not so familiar with this wonderful sport let me explain a bit about the endurance rides that are held here in Bahrain, and similarly across the Gulf.

Endurance rides in Bahrain are held over various distances for differing categories of horse and rider. A 'race' is usually anything from 80km to 120km, held in stages. The first two stages are usually 30km each, the subsequent stages are then divided in progressively decreased distances up to the total distance of the race.

The first two stages of the event usually double up as 'qualifying' rounds, because in order for horse or rider to compete or ride in an 80+km ride they must both have successfully completed the two stages of a 60km qualifying ride.

Horse and rider alike train for many long hours, gradually building and increasing in stamina and distance, even then it's not simply a question of turning up and riding.

The horse must be proven to be fit, and its welfare is principal at all times, therefore, there are stringent veterinary checks carried out prior to the event, and these checks continue throughout and after the ride. The horse's heart rate, hydration levels and soundness are all systematically checked and any horse that does not make a 100 per cent vet inspection will be disqualified!

After the initial veterinary check, horse and rider are allocated a number - written clearly on the horse's rear, the rider is given a vest with the same number, as along the route of each section are strategically placed check points - it's this number that's noted on passing each of these points. So off they go? Not quite ... there are weight stipulations on riders, so rider and tack (saddle/bridle) are weighed-in prior to the start.

Horse and rider do not do endurance alone, they are supported by a 'crew' - the crew will follow their horse or horses around each section, and be there to ensure there are no problems and to support both horse and rider, carrying with them emergency supplies. The routes for the different sections/stages are indicated by coloured flags and a map identifying each flag colour and route is given to the crew.

Along the route many water stops are positioned, enabling the horse to drink and keep hydrated, and when they stop for water the crew are there ready to sponge down horse (and rider!), keeping them cool, and helping in their re-hydration.

Upon completion of each stage, the pair returns to the finish to be checked in, a card registers their time, the crew are ready to un-tack the horse and check all its vital signs ensuring it is fit enough to be presented to the vet for checking.

The horse's welfare and well-being is overriding as also each stage/section must be completed in a specified time, and disqualification also happens if the pair are too slow so maintaining a reasonable speed at all times is imperative.

So, now with all preparations done - it's time to set off.

The thrill and excitement as they wait to set off is indescribable, adrenalin running in full gear for both horse and rider. To be part of this experience is simply exhilarating, an experience beyond description. OK, so now how many of you are going to get ready for the next event?

The director of endurance of the Brazilian Equestrian, Olavo Maciel, announced on Saturday (05 December), at the awards ceremony of the Brazilian Championship in Brasilia, the 14 sets that are qualified and have a chance to represent Brazil in Equestrian Games World of Kentucky, in September 2010.

The sets were evaluated, qualified in the selective competitions that took place in 2009 and are now pre-selected.

The young Italian rider Daniele Massobrio won the Raid in Santa Susanna "Ninfea Bay" by winning the final stage in the Spanish Jordi Arboix with "Ashlan, who was second. The Santa Susana CEI3 was played between days 4 to 6 December.

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

bu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will be a hive of activity on Saturday when the prestigious 120-km National Day Cup and the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge (Round 1) will see the cream of endurance riders in action.

The Bonyan International Investment Group will be sponsoring both the rides, the National Day Cup being an open ride while the Giants Endurance being the first of the three rounds of a bodyweight series.

Addressing a press conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said: "The winner of the National Day Cup will drive away with a car while a total of Dh300,000 is on offer for those who finish at the top."

"Saturday will also see the first round of the prestigious Giants Endurance, with the next two rounds in the series stopping in Bahrain and Dubai," he said.

"This is the first time that Bonyan will be supporting the sport of endurance and it is indeed a matter of great pride to be involved with the prestigious National Day Cup ride."

"As you may be aware, the Bonyan International Investment Group supported the National Day Cup flat race and the thrilling finish in front of a large crowd gave us immense pleasure," Abdullah Atatreh, Chairman of Bonyan Group, said.

"Bonyan International Investment Group believes strongly that equestrian sport in the UAE is part of the country's culture and heritage and we are willing partners in its promotion. We are involved along with the Breeding Stables of [Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs] Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, based in Normandy, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in this endeavour," said Abdullah Bin Brouk, Bonyan's President.

Leading destination

Abu Dhabi Sports Council's Talal Al Hashemi said: "Abu Dhabi is fast emerging as a leading sporting destination and such events which are connected with our culture and heritage go hand-in-hand with the other international events being staged here."

Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq, said the Breeding Stables of Shaikh Mansour along with the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Sports Council will be involved in supporting more such events in the future.

Published Date: 09 December 2009Wednesday, 4pm - A MEDLAM woman is celebrating after being crowned the national endurance riding champion.Thay Stephenson and her horse Simeric S'moudh - known affectionately as Bull - were announced as the winners by organisers Endurance GB after beating off competition from 2,500 other entrants.

The competition takes place across the country from March to October each year, on hacking courses of 50 miles or more.

Riders gain points for their performances depending on how they fare and, at the end of the season, the top 10 results for each competitor are totted up.

But despite taking part in just nine events, Thay, 52, was announced as top of the leaderboard at the Endurance GB end of season dinner.

"I thought I'd done well," Thay said. "But having only competed in nine events I thought other riders would be able to discard some of their results and finish ahead of me.

"It was a nice surprise when I heard I had won - there was some whooping."

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

JAIPUR: The might of Marwari or Malani horse has finally been recognised. The faithful Marwari breed of horses, the most famous of which was Maharana Pratap's Chetak, descended from native Indian ponies crossed with the Arabian horses and possibly with the Mongolian influence.

The Marwari along with other indigenous horses of India like Kathiawari, Zanskar and Manipuri have found a place in the Indian philately. The post & telegraph department, because of the persistent efforts of the Indigenous Horses Society of India has come out with a first day cover depicting the four horses. The stamp would be released at Dundlod in Jhunjhunu district during the national endurance horse racing championship. The stamp will be released by the chief post master general of Rajasthan.

"We have been trying to give due recognition to the indigenous horses of India and the best way that the people could know about it was through postage stamps. After much effort, the post and telegraph department decided to recognise the indigenous Indian horses by giving them a pride of place in the postage stamp," said Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, secretary general of Indigenous Horse Society of India.

She holds the record for the most finishing buckles in the gruelling Shahzada marathon and that feat has propelled Karen Rhodes to September’s Sportsperson of the Month award.

The Woodstock horsewoman collected her 15th buckle out of 16 attempts when competing in the rugged terrain of St Albans near the Blue Mountains.

No rider boasts more buckles in the demanding five-day event where entrants cover 80km each day.

She has trained her trusted companions Kelly and Shadow to cover the designated courses, estimating between the pair of them have covered over 7,000km competitively without taking into account training rides.

Rhodes has also been tackling another of the endurance riders’ marquee rides in the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

The 160km one day ride was recently held in Victoria where Rhodes and Shadow finished their fifth Quilty together.

The event is known for the toll it takes on horses and riders alike with a number of entrants failing veterinary examinations.

That’s what makes Rhodes’ achievements so special, the fact like clockwork she almost completes every ride.

A 75-strong field set out on the four-stage 100-kilometre race before dawn. But Hazza was first off the blocks and once he established a big lead he did not have to look back.

He was the sole leader after the opening two legs of 30 kms each, and he maintained a strong stride over the remainder of the ride to complete the event in four hours 23 minutes and 49 seconds.

Hazza built a gap of over seven minutes from his closest challenger by the time he reached the finish line. Compatriot Ebrahim Al Jabury, riding Al Habeeba, was the runner-up with a total ride time of 4:31:19. The duo made an impressive one-two for Ahmed Al Fateh Stable.

Al Jabury did well to pace himself behind the victor and managed to overcome a late challenge from third-placed rider Salman Isa, who is also Bahraini and riding for Al Hawar Stable.

Isa, saddling Tirroan, moved up to second overall after the 25 kms third stage. But Al Jabury regained the advantage with a stronger ride down the final 15 kms to seal second place.

Isa finished three minutes behind Al Jabury in 4:34.30.

Abdulla Yusuf Al Qasimi from the Bahamas was fourth. Riding Jellaby Kafour, Al Qasimi had a total ride time of 4:53:01, and was the last rider to finish the event under five hours.

Registered Fifth was Ali Al Tamimi on Khoto. The Al Asayel Stable ace had a solid performance that saw him finish in 5:00:57.

Bilal Al Rajab riding Sedan was sixth. Al Rajab, from Al Muhqeerat Stable, registered a total ride time of 5:06:59.

Rounding out the top eight were Othman Abduljalil Awadhi and Jaffar Mohammed Salman. Awadhi, riding Jacquard de la Pouge from Ahmed Al Fateh Stable, completed the race in 5:08:18; while Salman, saddling Suwaity Reaan from Awal Stable, was not far behind in 5:09:44.

Awadhi overtook Salman in the final stage to finish ahead of his close rival.

All the winning riders were later presented with trophies and cash prizes by Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Sultan are the sons of His Majesty King Hamad and the brothers of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The event, which was the third of the endurance season, was organised by Breef and held under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid. It was sponsored by the Swiss-Bahrain Holding Company.

Along with his first-placed trophy and prize money, Hazza drove home the grand prize of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Singh from India finished first in the 85 kms and 60 kms qualifying events.

He had a total ride time of 4:24:53 on Lormar Lorraine in the 85 kms race, and then completed the 60 kms event in 3:04:43.

India's Mohan Singh, riding LO 605, came second in both events. Hari Singh, also from India, finished third in the 85 kms event while Bahrain's Abdulrahman Al Saad was third in the 60 kms ride.

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad Hilal Salim Obaid, riding Rahman Des Bruycres, secured his first major endurance victory when he won the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 120km ride held at the Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.

Obaid, riding the 10-year-old gelding Rahman Des Bruycres from Al Aasfa Stables, which is trained by Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, dominated the ride from the second stage onwards and made every phase a winning one.

After South Africa's Gerda Burger won the first 27-km stage in which Obaid was fifth, it was a close battle between the two in the second and third loops.

Under threat

However Obaid won both and at the end of the third loop and was leading with Burger second. At that stage Obaid and his horse were averaging over a 26 km/h speed and the world record for a 120km ride here in the UAE seemed under threat.

However, Burger's challenge faded away and she eventually finished 7th while Obaid went on but at a much slower pace to win the 120-km in a timing of 4:42:26.

The world record stands in the name of Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Cupid, set at Al Wathba with a timing of 4:32.26 during the 2007 National Day Cup.

Ahmad Saeed Al Farsi on Akasha Sansation was second behind Obaid in 4:44.33, followed by Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum on Halim in 4:56.39.

Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum along with Ali Mousa Al Khamiri of Dubai Equestrian Club gave away the prizes and trophies to the winners.

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) welcomes the move taken by the Bureau of the FEI to defer the introduction of the new Equine Prohibited Substances List and the accompanying Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations until 5 April 2010. This positive step recognises the urgent need for further discussion and reflection on the consequences of rushing through the "progressive list" without further debate.

The BEF will now seek the views of our FEI sporting member bodies, and through them riders, organisers and officials, as well as other organisations and individuals as appropriate. A consolidated view will be passed to the FEI.

Between now and 5 April 2010 the BEF will work closely with the FEI in order to ensure that riders, team managers, owners, veterinarians and other stakeholders have clear guidance as to the regulations in force. We will also work with the FEI to seek to find a way through this period that does not compromise our collective clean sport principles.

"This is a most positive move by the FEI," comments Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the BEF. “"The objective must now be to find a global consensus that meets the needs of a clean sport. For us, this needs two things: very high levels of equine welfare and the complete support of the international community."

On Nov. 19 the General Assembly of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) approved new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations as well as a new list of prohibited substances. The passed regulations included a "progressive list" of substances that will now be allowed in competition in limited amounts.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

New York, N.Y. - America's leading chefs are partnering with the world's most prestigious equestrian competition to showcase the country's rich culinary heritage for 16 nights during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with Cookin' in the Bluegrass: A Celebrity Chef Dinner Series.

The James Beard Foundation has partnered with the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for Cookin' in the Bluegrass. This dinner series will occur each night from September 25-October 10, 2010 in Lexington, Ky., as the Kentucky Horse Park hosts the world championships in eight equestrian sports.

Each dinner will feature two celebrity chefs, many of whom are James Beard Award-winners, and one local or Kentucky-based chef, cooking side-by-side at the Kentucky Horse Park's Farmhouse restaurant. Each night, 80 guests will enjoy dining experiences that replicate the sumptuous dinners held at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

Tickets for Cookin' in the Bluegrass will be available for purchase in early 2010 at www.alltechfeigames.com. Prices have not been finalized.

"The James Beard Foundation is honored to be part of an event that allows a diverse group of chefs to share their culinary points of view with a whole new audience," said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. "Our 2010 Games dinners will pair the best local and national chefs in America's great southern region, where we celebrate so many of our nation's deepest culinary roots."

In spring 2010 the James Beard Foundation will offer a coinciding "Bluegrass Experience" at the James Beard House in New York to honor the World Equestrian Games culinary events.

Sponsors include the Kentucky Proud Program, dedicated to marketing Kentucky-made or -grown food products (funded in part by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture). From local farmers to brewers, distillers, growers and cheese-makers, Kentucky Proud represents an array of local products distributed throughout the world. Kentucky Proud will facilitate the use of fresh, local ingredients every night of Cookin' in the Bluegrass.

Proceeds from Cookin' in the Bluegrass will benefit the James Beard Foundation, The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

About the James Beard Foundation:Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and nurturing America's culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Today, the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools, and publications, and by maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City's Greenwich Village as a "performance space" for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit www.jamesbeard.org. Find insights on food at the James Beard Foundation's blog Delights & Prejudices. Join the James Beard Foundation on Facebook. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Twitter.

About the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation:Since its inception in 1985 the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and a prestigious board has been fulfilling its mission to become the unquestioned leading equestrian facility of its kind in the world and continues to provide funding for the park's facilities such as show rings and barns for equine competitions, horses and carriages, costumes, signage, demographic research, land surveys, and publications.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The 2010 Games are the first to incorporate all eight international disciplines as well as the first to be held outside of Europe.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Meydan, Ariat International, Inc, and UK Healthcare. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Chileans involved with the sport are encouraged by the approval of the FEI to allow the country to host the Pan and have begun to organize preparations

Extra information official confirmed that Chile will host the next Pan-American Championship Endurance, which happens every two years. The event will take place in Santo Domingo in 2011, still no date set, but is slated to happen in April.

The Pan-American Championship is a competition for the endurance rider all nations of the Americas. The last edition was held this year in Uruguay at Haras La Perseverancia in Costa Azul. In 2005, who was hosted Argentina in Pinamar, then in 2007 took place in Brazil in Campinas.

In this year of 2009, Brazil had a very positive performance, only Rafael Salvador (Brazil), with Califa Tamm and Lucas Maia (Sao Paulo), which have mounted HMA Jackpot joy among young people. Rafael got the 4th place and Luke 5. Nick Lins, among adults, mounted NNL Zhest and finished with 24 th place.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Alexandra Toft has been honored as the Equestrian Australia (Queensland) Junior Rider of the Year 2009.

14-year-old Alexandra has ridden in many countries around the world, most recently finishing 17th in The Junior World Championships in Hungary on the 6th of September, and following that up with a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, USA to participate in the Kentucky Cup on October 14, the pre-ride for the 2010 WEG.